Skip to content
SPECIFICTION
Get listed

FinchBlox

learn.birdbraintechnologies.com

Free plan Open source WebWindowsmacOSiOSAndroid
Visit learn.birdbraintechnologies.com
Spec score 8.9 #2 of 26 in Robotics Education Software

What it is

FinchBlox is BirdBrain Technologies’ block-based coding app for programming the Finch Robot 2.0. Its three levels build from sequencing the robot’s motors, lights, and buzzer to using parameters, sensors, loops, and concurrent sequences. Students can change code while it runs and remain connected to the robot. The app is free, but connecting the Finch requires a micro:bit with a specific Bluetooth .hex file, placed there using a computer with a USB port. FinchBlox is listed for Windows, Mac, Chrome/Chromebook, iOS, Android, and Kindle Fire. BirdBrain provides tutorials, block descriptions, classroom activities, and a teacher video course; activities include math, mazes, drawing, dance, and stories. The maker says its software is designed for children under 13, requests only permissions needed to function, and does not transmit personal information to BirdBrain. Bluetooth permission is required, and Android also requires location permission for Bluetooth.

Spec sheet

What it does
FinchBlox is an icon-based programming app for controlling the Finch Robot 2.0.Read 15 Oct 2026 · play.google.com
Audience
The app is designed for children age five and older, including pre-readers.Read 15 Oct 2026 · play.google.com
Platforms
BirdBrain lists FinchBlox installers for Windows, Mac, Chrome, iOS, Android, and Kindle Fire.Read 7 Oct 2026 · learn.birdbraintechnologies.com
Privacy
BirdBrain says its software is designed for children under 13 and that personal information is never transmitted to BirdBrain.Read 15 Oct 2026 · birdbraintechnologies.com
Support
The FinchBlox course directs users with questions to [email protected].Read 7 Oct 2026 · learn.birdbraintechnologies.com
Headquarters
Eau Claire, Wisconsin, United StatesRead 28 Sep 2026 · learn.birdbraintechnologies.com
Founded
2010Read 28 Sep 2026 · learn.birdbraintechnologies.com
Maker
BirdBrain Technologies says it was founded in 2010 at Carnegie Mellon University’s CREATE Lab and is now part of the CreXo family of STEM brands.Read 7 Oct 2026 · birdbraintechnologies.com
Activities
Listed activities include number-line math, telling time, mazes, drawing shapes, dance, and Finch Tales.Read 7 Oct 2026 · learn.birdbraintechnologies.com
Android permissions
FinchBlox requires Bluetooth permission on Android, which also triggers location permission requirements.Read 15 Oct 2026 · birdbraintechnologies.com
Battery
BirdBrain advertises more than seven hours of Finch Robot 2.0 battery life.Read 15 Oct 2026 · birdbraintechnologies.com
Bluetooth permission
FinchBlox requires Bluetooth permission, which requires location permission on Android.Read 7 Oct 2026 · birdbraintechnologies.com
Bluetooth requirement
The mobile app requires Bluetooth 4.0 or Bluetooth Low Energy on the phone or tablet.Read 15 Oct 2026 · play.google.com
Company founding
BirdBrain Technologies was founded in 2010 at Carnegie Mellon University's CREATE Lab.Read 15 Oct 2026 · birdbraintechnologies.com
Company headquarters and size
LinkedIn lists BirdBrain Technologies as headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, with 11–50 employees.Read 15 Oct 2026 · linkedin.com
Company ownership
BirdBrain Technologies says it is now part of the CreXo family of STEM brands.Read 15 Oct 2026 · birdbraintechnologies.com
Curriculum
BirdBrain provides more than 30 classroom activities, teacher courses, tutorials, and printable resources for Finch.Read 15 Oct 2026 · birdbraintechnologies.com
Developer tooling
BirdBrain publishes Java and Python libraries, MakeCode extensions, and Snap/Brython web applications for Finch and related robots.Read 15 Oct 2026 · learn.birdbraintechnologies.com
Documentation
The official program page provides setup instructions and progressive learning modules for movement, lights, sound, and control.Read 15 Oct 2026 · learn.birdbraintechnologies.com
Funding
Crunchbase lists National Science Foundation grants among BirdBrain Technologies' funding rounds.Read 15 Oct 2026 · crunchbase.com
Google Play listing
Google Play lists FinchBlox with 1K+ downloads and an Everyone content rating.Read 15 Oct 2026 · play.google.com
Hardware features
The Finch Robot 2.0 includes drawing support, line tracking, radio messaging, light, obstacle and sound sensing, full-color LEDs, a buzzer, compass, and a plastic-brick adapter.Read 15 Oct 2026 · birdbraintechnologies.com
Learning resources
BirdBrain provides FinchBlox tutorials, block descriptions, activities, and a video course for teachers.Read 7 Oct 2026 · learn.birdbraintechnologies.com
Legal name
Crunchbase lists the legal entity as BirdBrain Technologies LLC.Read 15 Oct 2026 · crunchbase.com
Level 1
Level 1 teaches sequencing, such as making the robot move, beep, and turn.Read 15 Oct 2026 · play.google.com
Level 2
Level 2 adds adjustable parameters through sliders for actions such as turning distance.Read 15 Oct 2026 · play.google.com
Level 3
Level 3 adds loops and sensor-driven behaviors such as moving until an obstacle is detected.Read 15 Oct 2026 · play.google.com
Lights
The learning materials include dedicated FinchBlox lessons for controlling robot lights.Read 15 Oct 2026 · learn.birdbraintechnologies.com
Limit: educator scaffolding
The Learning Standard warns that substantial teacher or parent guidance is needed to prevent unfocused play and support learning.Read 15 Oct 2026 · thelearningstandard.org
Limit: hardware sharing
The Learning Standard notes that classroom hardware limits can force several students to share devices, reducing individual hands-on time.Read 15 Oct 2026 · thelearningstandard.org
Limit: no built-in spaced practice
The Learning Standard reports that Finch lacks software-based spaced repetition and structured lessons inside the hardware.Read 15 Oct 2026 · thelearningstandard.org
Limit: setup and surfaces
Independent classroom guidance says Finch works best on flat surfaces and requires setup plus care when inserting a marker.Read 15 Oct 2026 · thoughtfullysustainable.com
Live editing
FinchBlox lets students change code while it is running and stay connected to the Finch robot.Read 7 Oct 2026 · learn.birdbraintechnologies.com
Movement
FinchBlox programs the Finch to move and turn at selected distances, angles, and speeds.Read 15 Oct 2026 · learn.birdbraintechnologies.com
Official device coverage
The Finch programming portal offers Windows, Mac, Chromebook, iOS, Android, Kindle Fire, and Linux device choices.Read 15 Oct 2026 · learn.birdbraintechnologies.com
Open-source status
BirdBrain states that most of its software is open source and links public GitHub repositories for its programming software.Read 15 Oct 2026 · learn.birdbraintechnologies.com
Praise: beginner accessibility
A STEM teacher review describes FinchBlox's drag-and-drop interface as suitable for beginners who cannot yet read.Read 15 Oct 2026 · thoughtfullysustainable.com
Praise: classroom activities
Independent classroom coverage highlights drawing, dancing, maze navigation, and other hands-on Finch activities.Read 15 Oct 2026 · thoughtfullysustainable.com
Praise: classroom progression
An independent teacher review praises Finch for progressing from FinchBlox block coding to Python and Java on the same robot.Read 15 Oct 2026 · matthewgillard.com.au
Praise: tangible feedback
The Learning Standard says Finch provides immediate physical feedback that helps connect code with observable outcomes.Read 15 Oct 2026 · thelearningstandard.org
Public code repository
The BirdBlox-FinchBlox JavaScript frontend repository documents block data types and local backend endpoints.Read 15 Oct 2026 · github.com
Rating on Apple App Store
4.0 out of 5 from 1 ratingRead 15 Oct 2026 · apps.apple.com
Robot actions
Level 1 lets students sequence actions controlling the Finch’s motors, lights, and buzzer.Read 7 Oct 2026 · learn.birdbraintechnologies.com
Robot requirement
FinchBlox requires a Finch Robot 2.0 and Bluetooth-ready firmware on its micro:bit.Read 15 Oct 2026 · play.google.com
Sensors
FinchBlox supports obstacle, light, and sound-triggered control blocks.Read 15 Oct 2026 · learn.birdbraintechnologies.com
Setup requirement
Connecting the Finch requires downloading the FinchBlox app and placing a specific Bluetooth .hex file on the micro:bit using a computer with a USB port.Read 7 Oct 2026 · learn.birdbraintechnologies.com
Skill levels
Level 2 adds parameters for motor, light, and buzzer blocks, while Level 3 adds sensor blocks, loops, and concurrent sequences.Read 7 Oct 2026 · learn.birdbraintechnologies.com
Sound
The learning materials include dedicated FinchBlox lessons for controlling sound and the buzzer.Read 15 Oct 2026 · learn.birdbraintechnologies.com
Supported devices
BirdBrain lists FinchBlox installers for Windows, Mac, Chrome, iOS, Android, and Kindle Fire.Read 15 Oct 2026 · learn.birdbraintechnologies.com
What it is
FinchBlox is BirdBrain Technologies’ icon-based coding app, optimized for use with the Finch Robot.Read 7 Oct 2026 · learn.birdbraintechnologies.com
Who it is for
The maker describes Level 1 as appropriate for absolute beginners age 5 and up.Read 7 Oct 2026 · learn.birdbraintechnologies.com

Plans and prices

FinchBlox Free For Finch Robot 2.0 · requires a Finch robot and a micro:bit with a downloaded Bluetooth .hex file Read 7 Oct 2026 · learn.birdbraintechnologies.com
FinchBlox Free Requires Finch Robot 2.0 · Bluetooth-capable device · icon-based programming Read 15 Oct 2026 · apps.apple.com

Every FinchBlox plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Free plan with no listed charge
  • Three levels introduce progressively more coding concepts
  • Code can be edited while the robot runs
  • Tutorials, activities, and teacher video course are provided

Limits

  • Requires a Finch robot and micro:bit
  • Setup requires a computer with a USB port
  • Android Bluetooth access requires location permission

Who it suits

FinchBlox suits beginner learners programming a Finch robot, including children age 5 and up at Level 1. Its later levels add coding concepts for learners ready to progress.

Verdict

FinchBlox pairs beginner block coding with robot activities and learning materials. The required Finch, micro:bit setup, and permissions are important to account for before starting.

Where Specifiction places it

Alternatives to FinchBloxAll alternatives →